Bethlehem’s Glad TidingsVol. 8 No. 10 October 2016Rev. Peter D. Asplin, Pastor Bethlehem 724-945-5198Bonita Cadman, Church Secretary Pastor Home 724-503-4595Mrs. Melba McVay, Organist Pastor Cell Phone 724-678-8798Mr. Ed Conkle, Sexton

Bethlehem Lutheran Church21 Church Road

Scenery Hill, PA 15360

Council MembersHelen Myers Elinor Ross Arla DagueCarol Brewer Becky Devore Matt DevoreJameson Randolph John Ames Rich BeckCollin O’Brien

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We don’t have many records of what life was like for the first settlers of our little corner of Western Pennsylvania, for the old Germans who settled here in Washington County in Bethlehem Township (the townships weren’t separated into North, East and West until the 1800s).

What we do know, from Pastor Johannes Stauch, is that people in the 1700s hungered for the Gospel and to live a kingdom life.

In his autobiography, Pastor Stauch remembers this incident from just before the founding of Bethlehem Lutheran. “The poor Germans, hungering for the bread of life. The cry was continually “come west” or “come over and help us.” Others asked to have their children baptized and catechized. There was no one to break to them the bread of life, to anoint them in a dying hour to the seat

of Calvary, and preach their funeral when they were dead. My heart sickened within me when I think and see the wide destitution that has always existed in the Lutheran church in the West.” (English Translation, page 12)

Amongst those poor Germans were the Simons and the Conkles, the Sunedeckers and the Dagues, the Wonsettlers and the Hewitts. (Dutch Glory Church Register, 1981, p. 1-7) Pastor Stauch heard the calling of those families for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, for the means of grace in preaching and sacraments. The Pittsburgh synod history says of our congregation, “Pastor Stauch evidently felt a strong tie with Bethlehem. This is indicated by the fact that, when he pushed westward into Ohio, he returned every eight weeks over a period oftwo years to preach to these people.” (Pittsburgh Synod History 1963, p. 25)

For 225 years, the word has been preached in our little corner of the country. Bread has been broken, wine has been poured, children have been baptized and confirmed, loved ones have been buried with honor, with sorrow and with rejoicing in the promise of the resurrection. For 225 years a Christian community has gathered here at Bethlehem saying, in the face of “destitution” and in the face of war, in the face of growing crops and growing households and in the face of sickness and death – the Word of God is indeed planted among us. God has, through Sunday school teachers and Church Choirs, through lay readers and ordained preachers, through prayers at bedsides and gravesides, in hospital rooms and at family dinner tables, brought forth a great harvest for these past 225 years. We rejoice in this harvest this month, on Sunday October 31st, 2016 at 3:30 in the afternoon. We rejoice andremember the past and look forward to the future!

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It is, indeed a great blessing to be the people of God at Bethlehem in this day (and in days past).

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Asplin

MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP

"PICTURE THIS!" FROM BISHOP KUSSEROW -

“The wall,” a year later. And to my astonishment, there is a very large toad rather completely at home on a little shelf of the wall that results from each higher course of stones being set back just a bit from the course below it for strength and longevity. Who’d have thought? I built more than a wall last summer: I created an ecosystem.

Suddenly, it became clear that we probably do this all the time, whether we mean to or not. We set about to build one thing, and it becomes an environment for things we could not have imagined. This insight is probably true both literally (as in the case of this wall), and as a metaphor for relationships within a community.

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Which makes me wonder about our life together in the Church. What are we working hard to build together? Communities of safety and faith? Places of welcome? Mission centers where the name of Jesus is at home? I think so. As we do so, I wonder what else finds a home in the things we build. It might be worth looking closely once in a while to see.

Yesterday was “God’s Work Our Hands” Sunday in many congregations across the ELCA. For some congregations, other Sundays fit their calendar better. That’s fine.

At Prince of Peace, Latrobe, lunch bags for Meals on Wheels were decorated to add a personal touch of love and encouragement for those who participate in this valuable ministry. “Our Hands” are clearly visible in this picture. Can you see “God’s Work?”

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My eyes see people, created in the image of God, first and foremost. That looks like God’s handiwork to me. I see sinners who have found life in the grace-filled story of Jesus. We confess that to be the work God’s Holy Spirit. And look, here are people freed to care for their neighbor in love and joy. God becomes visible in neighborly love like this!Jesus says, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” (John 6:29) How might our hands be about that work? I wonder ...

A once-familiar hymn declares, “In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me.” (Battle Hymn of the Republic, LBW 332, ELW 890) We do not often sing that hymn these days, because of the dated militaristic references found both in its music and its words. But even so, the hymn preserves the timeless hope of a reality that is not the product of war: transfiguration.

Three of the four Gospels preserve the narrative of the Transfiguration of our Lord. But through all the witness of Holy Scripture, there flows a theme of the changing of things. Swords beaten into plowshares, lions and lambs lying down together, 5

prisoners given freedom, ruins being rebuilt, wastelands becoming habitable, dry bones made to live again, and enemies reconciled.

The hymn cited above adds you and me to that list. If offers no explanation of how or when the change might happen, except to attribute the change to the glory in Christ’s bosom. The word, bosom, however, is as outdated as the hymn. Today we might speak of Christ’s embrace, or even his radical hospitality. Even so,in the words of any age, we find the same mystery: when Christ welcomes us, we are changed.

With you in Christ

+Kurt

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 11, 2016In attendance were Pastor Asplin, Becky Devore, Matt Devore, John Ames, Elinor Ross, Arla Dague, Helen Myers, Collin O’Brien, Jameson Randolph and Richard Beck.

Pastor gave devotions.

New Business: Family Promise and Cemetery question – Family Promise. Pastor and Becky Devore attended a

meeting with Family Promise. Each member congregation committed to 5 weeks, this leaves 15 weeks that are uncovered.

Options are as follows: a). leave as isb) go to 7 weeks a year volunteer & Leadership doing additional 2days.c) do 5 weeks with Bethlehem doing 1 on site.d) in lieu of additional taking on of 2 weeks, Bethlehem would give $1,650 for each week not taken.

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Pastors recommendation was Bethlehem doing 10 day periods,each of seven churches do 5 times comes to 50 weeks.

Motion was made by Becky Devore to go forward with the motion to 5 times 10 day sessions, seconded by Helen Myers. Motion carried.

Bethlehem Cemetery. Pastor received a call from Caroline Moore regarding Karl and Elizabeth Moore’s gravesHaving the cremated remains of Morton Moore, husband of Caroline Moore interred in their grave.

Motion made by Becky Devore to permit this and seconded by Collin O’Brien. Motion Carried.

Special Council Meeting was adjourned.

COUNCIL MEETING September 20,2016Present were Helen Myers, Elinor Ross, John Ames, Jameson Randolph, Arla Dague, Carol Brewer, Pastor Asplin and Rich Beck.

Motion made to have a big picture taken in front of the church after the 3:30 p.m. service on October 30, 2016. Motion made by Elinor Ross and seconded by John Ames.

Motion made by John Ames and seconded by Elinor Ross to accept the Treasurer’s report.

Motion made by Carol Brewer and seconded by Rich Beck to give $100.00 to the Marianna Fire Department.

Pastor Asplin reported that the wiener roast a success, and that approximately 50 were in attendance.

Family promise was discussed and is on Monday, September 26, 2016.7

Anniversary Year - A one page color insert will be in the News Letter to be sent back with the number of attending and the cost. Ifyou know of someone not living in this area who would like to attend, please ask them to notify us.

Need the history of the plaques on the windows.

Meeting ended with the Lord’s Prayer.

ANNIVERSARY YEAR HISTORY COLLECTIONOver the next months we will be collecting history on the windowsin our church. We are particularly interested in the dedications of the windows and the history of the people mentioned. If you knowthe history of one of our windows, please take time to talk to a member of church council or our history committee.

WELCA SECOND WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2016The WELCA will meet on Wednesday, October 12, at 10:00 a.m. The Bible Study is written by Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, a patorat Trinity Lutheran Church in Colorado. When God is not fair – coming to terms with a merciful God is Session 2: “Jesus and the evil eye: when God blesses the undeserving”. Program will be led by Betty Naser. A covered dish luncheon will be held following the meeting. All women of the church are invited to join us for a morning of Bible study and fellowship.

Knives, knife sets and spatulas are still for sale.

2016 DESIGNATED OUTREACH MISSIONWe are still collecting articles for Jeremiah’s Place of Pittsburgh, PA. They provide a safe haven of respite, health, renewal and support for children and family free of charge during times of crisis. They are in need of non-perishable food, formula, diapers and etc. Thanks so much for your continued support of these Outreach Projects. These organizations are selected and voted on by the Women of the ELCA. The Designated Outreach Mission

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for 2017 is chosen at the ELCA convention and is Grace Youth and Family Foundations.

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CONFIRMATION CLASS

Date s Family Providing Food

October 2nd Sukal FamilyOctober 16th Naser Family

November 13th Dayton FamilyNovember 16th Ventura Family

HALLOWEEN PARTY On Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. we will have our Halloween Party. Our decades long tradition of having a Halloween Party continues this year. All ages are welcome to dress up (or not) for fun games and a story. Please bring a dozen cookies to share.

ANNIVERSARY YEAR October 30, 2016 will be our celebration of the 225th Anniversary of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. We will begin with a festival worship at 3:30 p.m. followed by a dinner at Lone Pine Social Hall! More details will follow!!

HYMN AND MUSIC COMMITTEE MEETING The Hymn and Music Committee will meet on October 3, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Anyone who is interested in selecting the music for our services, please plan on attending.

THE BENTWORTH MINISTERIUM COMMUNITY CHOIR Save the Date! Sunday, October 9th at 3:00 p.m. at the Center In TheWoods, Brownsville, PA. A Musical Community Event “Look Up For Hope” presented by the Bentworth Ministerium Community Choir. Come and be uplifted!! All are welcome!

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Prayer Partners for Molly & addresses

Date Person Providing Prayers10/02/2016 Arla Dague10/09/2016 Pastor Asplin10/16/2016 Gerald & Ellen Smith10/23/2016 Nancy Banfield10/30/2016 Betty Naser11/06/2016 Judy Stepp11/13/2016 Helen Myers11/20/2016 Carol Brewer11/27/2016 Arla Dague12/04/2016 Elinor Ross

At the end of your week or praying for Molly, please send her a note letting her know she was in your thoughts. Molly would also love to hear from you by either regular mail or by e-mail.

The following are her addresses and price of International Stamp is $1.15. They will be available for purchase in office, see Bonnie. Molly has notified us that it takes approximately 3 weeks for 1st classmail to reach her. If you are sending specific cards for holidays etc., please make sure that you take into consideration the time table.

Molly O’BrienYirara CollegePMB 51Via Alice SpringsNT 0872Australia

e-mail - - mollyobrien28@gmail.com.

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DART-BALL LEAGUES 2016 – 2017

MONDAY NIGHT LEAGUEPractice for Home Game is 7:00 – 7:15Practice for Away Game is 7:15 – 7:30

October 3rd East Beth and Bethlehem AwayOctober 10th Mar/Zoll and Bethlehem AwayOctober 17th North Ten Mile and Bethlehem AwayOctober 24th Bethlehem and Cokeburg HomeOctober 31st Pin Hook and Bethlehem AwayNovember 7th Bethlehem and East Beth HomeNovember 14th Bethlehem and Mar/Zoll HomeNovember 21st Bethlehem and North Ten Mile HomeNovember 28th Cokeburg and Bethlehem AwayDecember 5th Bethlehem and Pin Hook HomeDecember 12th East Beth and Bethlehem Away January 2, 2017 Mar/Zoll and Bethlehem AwayJanuary 9, 2017 North Ten Mile and Bethlehem Away January 16, 2017 Bethlehem and Cokeburg HomeJanuary 23, 2017 Pin Hook and Bethlehem AwayJanuary 30, 2017 Bethlehem and East Beth HomeFebruary 6, 2017 Bethlehem and Mar/Zoll Home

TUESDAY NIGHT DARTBALL LEAGUE

October 4th Bethlehem & C. C. N. A. HomeOctober 11th Bethlehem & 4th Presbyterian AwayOctober 18th Bethlehem & Holy Trinity HomeOctober 25th Bethlehem & First Christian HomeNovember 1st Bethlehem & W. Washington HomeNovember 15th Bethlehem & Fairhill Manor AwayNovember 22nd Bethlehem & E. Buffalo AwayNovember 29th Bethlehem & Jefferson Ave. HomeDecember 6th Bethlehem & Immac. Concep. 1 HomeDecember 13th Bethlehem & Chartiers Cross Rd. HomeJanuary 3rd Bethlehem & 1st Lutheran AwayJanuary 10th Bethlehem & Immac. Concep. 2 Home

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January 17th Bethlehem & Wash. Alliance 2 AwayJanuary 24th Bethlehem & Faith United Pres. HomeJanuary 31st Bethlehem & Avery Methodist AwayFebruary 7th Bethlehem & Fairhill Manor AwayFebruary 14th Bethlehem & C.C.N.A. AwayFebruary 21st Bethlehem & Immac. Concep. 2 HomeFebruary 28th Bethlehem & 1st Presbyterian AwayMarch 7th Bethlehem & W. Washington Away

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN LUNCHEONThe Bethlehem Lutheran Church Women will host the First Lutheran Church Women on October 13, 2016 at noon. Everyone is to bring a covered dish. Meat, rolls and beverage will be provided. Please contact Betty Naser or Melba McVay if you plan to attend. Come for an afternoon of fun and fellowship.

CHRISTMAS CANTATAThe choir will be practicing on the Christmas Cantata by Don and Nancy Besig entitled “The Wondrous Story.” It is a story retold ofour Savior’s birth in a reverent simple way, focusing on those who were present on that holy night. We are in need of children to do the small speaking parts and to make a live manger scene. Needed are: Isaiah, Mary, Joseph, Innkeeper, 3 Kings, 3 Shepherds, 2 Angels and a Star. All the children will sing “Away in a Manger” at the end.

MEMBERS OF THE CHOIR TO PERFORM

October 2nd – Collin and Pat O’Brian October 9th – ChoirOctober 16th – Bell ChoirOctober 23rd – ChoirOctober 30th – ChoirOctober 30th – 3:30 p.m. service – Bell Choir

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September Attendance & Offering

Date Attendance Offering

August 7th 77 $3,354.00August 14th 47 $8,356.42August 21st 52 $3,167.00August 28th 72 $2,615.00

Average 62 $4,373.10

AcolytesOctober 2nd – Austin Naser and Jeremy Naser ( Communion)October 9th – Jessica Glotfelty and Dale GlotfeltyOctober 16th – Brittany Dayton and Emma SukalOctober 23rd – Johanna Asplin and Kaylie AndersonOctober 30th – Lindsay Davis and Linnea Asplin ( Communion)October 30th – 3:30 p.m. service, Kaylie Randolph and Jacob Davis

LectorsOctober 2nd – Ann McCuneOctober 9th – Ed SchultzOctober 16th – Lindsey DetrickOctober 23rd – Ed ConkleOctober 30th – Pat O’BrienOctober 30th – 3:30 p.m. service, Bill Ulery & Taylor White

Counters

October 2nd Karen Naddeo, Elinor Ross, Janet FowlerOctober 9th Shirley Schultz, Ed Conkle, Arla DagueOctober 16th Helen Myers, Bill Ulery, John AmesOctober 23rd Karen Naddeo, Becky Devore, Jim HartOctober 30th Shirley Schultz, Matt Devore, Carol BrewerOctober 30th – 3:30 p.m. service

Karen Naddeo, Jim Hart, Ed conkle

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Ushers and Greeters

October 2nd - Bill Devore & Becky DevoreOctober 9th - Elinor Ross & Arla DagueOctober 16th - Helen Myers & Shirley SchultzOctober 23rd - Norman Davis & Michelle DavisOctober 30th - Judy Osborne & Brendon DaytonOctober 30th – 3:30 p.m. service

Jameson Randolph & Matt Devore

Communion Assistants

October 2nd – Jameson RandolphOctober 30th –

Torch BearersOctober 30th – Emma Sukal & Jessica Glotfelty

Banner BearerOctober 30th – Kaden Ventura & Dale Glotfelty

Crucifer BearerOctober 30th - Jeremy Naser

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Bethlehem Treasurer’s ReportSummary of current operating account for August 2016

Expense Account Property Fund Balance on Hand $ 17,086.58 $ 66,272.20 Income $ 19,717.71 $ 1,613.00 Interest $ 0.23 $ 1.09 Total Income $ 19,717.94 $ 1,614.09 Expenditures $ 12,032.63 $ 1,466.35 Balance $ 24,771.898 $ 66,419.94

American Funds $55,602.71 $104,677.52

Note: Each month $1,466.35 moved from Property to Expense account for mortgage payments.

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Treasurer's Expense Report, August 2016

Disbursements Budget August Year-to-DateBenevolence $ 16,044.00 $ - $ 8,022.00 Special Benevolence $ - $ - $ 1,627.45 Staff Compensation $ 100,777.00 $ 8,001.88 $ 64,343.28 Church Administration $ 6,700.00 $ 595.74 $ 4,447.66 Church Property $ 38,924.00 $ 2,521.37 $ 20,358.36 Worship & Music $ 4,670.00 $ 617.22 $ 3,266.94 Church Program $ 17,815.00 $ 509.38 $ 10,880.59 Total Expenses $ 184,930.00 $ 12,245.59 $ 112,946.28

Total Income Y-TD $ 14,779.79 $ 104,172.43

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